How to style lingerie with day- and evening-wear: working the underwear as outerwear trend

Underwear as outerwear: it’s one of those classic trends that can be seen everywhere, from couture to the high street, celebrity ceremonies and Instagram influencers. It’s even worked its way into other trends, including the increasingly popular sports-luxe movement – those body-sculpting bike shorts and sports bra combinations? The endless leotards? That is underwear as outerwear, just as much as anything black, strappy and provocative.

This is a trend that you can have fun with and most importantly make your own. If you’re struggling with where to start, let our Bluebella guide walk you through how to make the most of your lingerie. Because let’s face it – designs this good deserve to be seen.

@anna_sisterparis wearing Denham Bra

@michellechristyn wearing Asmin Bra and Harness Brief

Styles and Shapes

So generally speaking when it comes to underwear as outwear you want to be thinking top-half (Superman isn’t chic this season), and the three b’s here will never let you down: bras, bodies, basques.

 

Bras

This is a look that can feel as though it’s going to be a little risqué, and there’s nothing to say that isn’t the case. However, it is also possible to tone down a bra with the right styling. Jeans are particularly effective, and offset a beautiful bra perfectly with some down-to-earth, everyday vibes, whilst a blazer or open shirt provides some daytime coverage.

 

@withlovefleur wearing Karolina Bra

@majariaudel wearing Karolina Bra

When you’re looking for a striking eveningwear look, dare to bare with one of our stunning and sculptural bras as a top. This is a great opportunity to experiment with shape and colour, bringing a vibrancy to the underwear as outerwear trend. Alternatively, combine an intricate bra with sheer mesh to show off the design whilst feeling a little more covered.

@sminiscar wearing Julienne Red Bra

@aagnetaha

@alda.lia wearing Nova Ivory Bra

 

@jaylene_joy wearing Emerson Black Bra

 

 

Bodies

Bodies are the easiest garment to style and wear, working as the perfect base layer for relaxed daywear with jeans or looking stunning when styled with a skirt and heels. They’re also ideal for working that sports-luxe trend, bringing some dance studio style to your wardrobe. These pieces are your hassle-free way into the underwear as outerwear trend, and here at Bluebella we have a stunning range of bodies from the sporty to the provocative, so you can explore and experiment.

@alyaariqat

@sabrinawieland wearing Asmin Black Body

@egith wearing Natalia Black Body

 

Strappy Bodies

Experiment with some provocative styling with our unique strappy bodies. Use shirts and blazers as a cover-up, or go bold with the piece fully on show. Wearing such a scaled back piece means you can go big with the accessories – a statement necklace offsets these simple structures beautifully.

 

@ablkn wearing Nikita Black Body

 

@chloeracs wearing Nova Black Body

 

 

Basques

Whilst a body feels like a subtle way in to the underwear as outerwear trend, a basque is a little more overt – quite literally, with some of our gorgeous open-cup styles. The basque is ideal if you are aiming for a particularly bold look, with the structure and corset-styling of our basques making a visual statement. A sophisticated piece themselves, basques work best when paired with similarly elegant outerwear. Think tailored suits and skirts in delicious fabrics and you can’t go far wrong.

@stylish_katarinka wearing Caterina Black Basque

@bris.mehmeti wearing Scala Basque Black

@negintamajani wearing Karolina Black Basque

A- list style inspiration

Some of our favourite pieces have adorned the rich and famous, appearing everywhere from the red carpet to music videos. Check out how some of your favourite A-listers are wearing Bluebella and copy their style – you can always say you saw it first…

Kylie Jenner

No one knows how to work underwear as outerwear like the Kardashian/Jenner clan – it’s a staple part of their everyday style. Kylie went for a sugary loungewear look for the launch of her new skincare range, wearing our very own Pink Chiffon Kimono. Kimonos are a great way to work the trend as a light alternative to a jacket, and look stunning with evening or daywear.

@kyliejenner wearing Pink Chiffon Kimono

Munroe Bergdorf

Activist and model Munroe Bergdorf is a Bluebella regular, and starred in our 2019 Valentine’s campaign Love Yourself. Munroe wore Bluebella to the London Fashion Awards, styling her Marina bra with a sharp two piece suit and ethereal headdress.

@ munroebergdorf wearing Black Marina Bra

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj puts the Layla long chemise through its paces in her music video, Good Form. The floor length Layla chemise works the underwear as outerwear trend twice over, with the sheer fabric of the chemise revealing the underwear beneath. A high-waisted brief style goes best with this piece, bringing some structure and coverage.

@ nickiminaj wearing Black Layla Chemise

Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles pairs her Silchester bandeau bra and briefs with a wide fish-net dress in her shoot for Office Magazine NYC. Loose hair, minimal make-up and simple accessories keep this look laid-back and give the outfit space to breathe.

@saintrecords wearing Silchester Strapless Bra and Briefs

Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal works the underwear as outerwear trend with the Emerson body. Bodies are perfect if you want to accentuate your waist, as they tuck into trousers or skirts with a smooth, flattering line

@mgyllenhaal wearing Emerson Black Body

INSTA-SPIRATION

So, now you’re ready to rock the underwear as outerwear trend, don’t forget to tag us @Bluebella in your Instagram pics – here are some more of our favourites from our gorgeous Instagram fam to #inspire you.

@alicia.asn

@putriwithlove

@_byleslie

@aelxdcee

@aelxdcee

@hollyleelu

@mels_anatomy

@nikillae

@_byleslie